The number of homeless children in Bromley has increased 45 per cent.

Figures released today (April 2) show 1,368 children in Bromley are currently in temporary accommodation.

This figure is up from 945 two years ago, a 45 per cent rise.

Over the past two years, homeless children reached its peak in the last quarter of 2014 at 1,368.

MORE TOP STORIES The lowest was in the second quarter of 2012 at 859, and has steadily increased every quarter, apart from the third quarter of 2014 when it dipped slightly to 988.

The borough with the highest number of children in temporary accommodation for the last quarter of 2014 was Haringey with 5,322, and Kingston-Upon-Thames had the lowest with none.

Tessa Jowell, former Olympics Minister, said: “It’s heartbreaking to see so many children in Bromley growing up without the basic necessity of their own home.

“The fact that over 1,300 Bromley children are homeless is bad enough. But if you look at London as a whole, the situation should shame us all.”

A spokesman for Bromley Council said: “In common with most London boroughs we have seen an increase in those seeking accommodation.

"Bromley's figures are in fact in line with many London boroughs including Southwark, and indeed proportionately when one considers the size of the borough, actually far smaller than many others such as Lambeth and Lewisham.

"The local actions reported previously and including for example the provision of high quality temporary accommodation at Bellegrove have served to support those in crisis and we continue to provide high quality support to those in need.”

The figures come from analysis of DCLG’s (Department for Communities and Local Government) Live Tables on Homelessness released on March 26.